It often turns out that collaboration albums don't turn out as good as they sound on paper so I approached this double CD with some caution. As it turned out I needn't have worried as this is a stonkingly good release. The first CD represents beautiful atmospheric music with some first rate sequences in that good old classic 70s style , the second is more upbeat and definitely '90s'. The first disc 'Loops' starts with a short prologue (in German) before getting into the first proper track, mainly consisting of a beautiful haunting lead line over a shifting 'deep space' backing. The formula is very simple but so effective. The second track introduces another haunting lead line which nestles amongst the sequence and yet more effects from the cosmos. The rest of the first album follows this formula fairly closely. The lead lines and sequences vary but each one is crafted superbly. A couple of the tracks also include drums and if there ever was an album that shows how drums and sequences can be combined together for powerful effect then this is it. The price of the album would be worth it for the disc alone. The second disc 'Beats' consists of 50% solo compositions by Detlef Keller with the other half made up of joint efforts (except for one Schonwalder track). We are again treated to an introduction in German, this is swiftly followed by a beautiful floating passage and after a few minutes a hypnotic rhythm takes centre stage which lasts until the end of the track. 'Beat 3' starts in a similar fashion to the previous track but develops into yet another stormer, this time with rhythm constantly changing. 'Beat 4' is even better with some superb lead lines particularly towards the end. 'Beat 5' features a repetitive bass drum that should be one for the 'Ambient' crowd. 'Beat 6' starts off like a more recent Klaus Schulze track then shifts into overdrive with the return of the bass drum which is a little lower in the mix than on the previous title but above it all is the best lead line on the CD so far- wonderful! The album is rounded off with 'Beat 7' which begins very laid back but as the sequence builds, more rhythm is added, the bass drum packing a powerful punch. Layer after layer of sequence and melody are added, we border on overload but just avoid going over the edge, this would be amazing live - Wow! Very highly recommended. (DL)
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